World War II veteran, Burma Star holder, High Street Hero and Rotary Citizen of the Year, Bert Logie of Forres has passed away

A MUCH-loved local volunteer has passed away at the age of 94.

World War II veteran, Burma Star holder, High Street Hero and Rotary Citizen of the Year, Bert Logie, died on Saturday, October 16, at his home in Cameron Court.

Bert will be missed by friends, colleagues and family including children Robert Logie, Fiona Clarke and Charles Logie, grandchildren Andrew Logie, Callum Logie and Kirsty Thomson, and great-grandchildren Louie (4), Edie and Alba Thomson (five months).

Robert and Fiona confirmed that while Bert had been showing signs of ill health for some time, his death was unexpected. His funeral was held at St Laurence Church on Monday, October 25.

The family will miss “dad’s voice of reason”.

Robert said: “Even though dad had a busy lifestyle, he was always there for his family.”

Bert was born at Burgie Lodge Farm Cottages on November 11, 1926, growing up in the Fraser Buildings, Pilmuir, and later in life told his children stories about the home’s outside tap and going out to “find” pears with his brothers Sandy, Ronald and Peter. Forres Thistle’s ground Logie Park was named after Sandy, a town councillor.

Bert, the third born of six siblings including sisters Flora and Betty, attended Forres Primary then Forres Academy.

Robert said: “Apart from a while in the Navy, dad never lived anywhere else. He went to school with his brother Peter, better known as Pat, who was born within a year of him. They were in the same class so shared text books and were very close. Dad worked at William Reid Forres Ltd for 30 years, retiring aged 65. He sold agricultural machinery and was well known in local farming circles, eventually becoming sales director.”

Bert outlived his siblings, as well as beloved wife Charlotte who passed away in 2012. Bert married his fellow Reid’s employee in 1957.

“They played badminton, tennis and table tennis together,” said daughter, Fiona. “Our family home was at Fleurs Road before we moved to Bogton Road in 1968.”

Bert was an elder and treasurer at St Laurence Church for 25 years.

Fiona added: “Robert and I remember going to church every Saturday night and Sunday morning. We helped switch on the heating for the services.”

Bert spent most of his Royal Navy service from March 1944 to November 1947 in the Indian Ocean aboard destroyer HMS Redoubt. Qualified as an anti-aircraft gunner, he was based on the coast of Sri Lanka, operating from India, Burma and Malaya to Malacca Straits and Sumatra. His service earned him military medal, the Burma Star.

In his later years, Bert was well known for his gardening work.

He helped run Applegrove Primary School Gardening Club for 17 years. He retired in 2016 but carried on volunteering with Forres in Bloom (FIB).

Last November, Bert and fellow FIB pensioner Vince Lyon were highly commended as High Street Heroes as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign in recognition of their tireless gardening, and for going above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bert could be found at Grant Park for four hours most days of the week and, in July, Rotary Club of Forres awarded him their Citizen of the Year award.

Deeply saddened FIB secretary Sandra Maclennan paid tribute to her old friend.

She said: “Bert was one of our most dedicated volunteers for over 10 years. Even when his health was deteriorating he was at the nursery and the park six days a week.

“Bert was loved and respected for the skills and knowledge he shared willingly. He had a fund of stories about days gone by and his friendly manner and kindness made him an engaging friend.”

Sandra confirmed the former Royal Navy serviceman stood by values of service, duty, courtesy and high standards.

She said: “He was the perfect recipient to accept the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of FIB.

“We will miss you ‘uncle Bert’ and will keep you in our hearts with many happy memories of a true son of Forres.”